in the current environment, lenders are permitted to recommend any loan product without regard to the needs or objectives of the borrower. lenders have also been able to control access to products in this marketplace without having to provide complete information regarding product availability and loan types to consumers. by the time consumers reach a housing counselor, they have already made a decision about which loan to pursue. consumers need more information upfront about the full range of products that are available. hud should also conduct a study on purchase fraud to determine its prevalence and should develop stronger consumer protections for borrowers who engage in the purchase transactions. finally, aarp urges the consumer financial protection bureau to conduct a study on the appropriate marketing of fha insured reverse mortgages. recent changes in the marketing of these mortgages indicate a shift from advocating their use as a tool to help older americans age in place to a financial planning tool to be used as a type of investment portfolio insurance when investment values